Table 1 Analysis of interactions between women and staff—main themes and examples of associated interactions
Theme | Examples of interactions |
|---|---|
Conversations | Getting to know each other, midwife and woman connecting personally, building rapport and trust, midwife asking about the family (e.g. ‘how old is your other child?’), making jokes, compliments (e.g. ‘such a beautiful baby’) |
Collaborations | Working together as a team, midwife changing the bed linen while the woman rolled from one side of the bed to the other, helping the woman get up for a shower |
Noticing needs and nurturing | Physical comfort, midwife adjusting tight compression stockings, lowering room lighting, adjusting room temperature, changing soaked bed, providing extra pillow, helping the woman to sit up, ‘call me/buzz me anytime/whenever you need anything’ |
Informing and instructing | Giving relevant information and instruction, breastfeeding help, details about the procedure for removing the catheter or cannula, details about physiotherapy and lactation services at the hospital |
Non-verbal communication | Encouragement and positive feedback, especially during breastfeeding, midwife smiling, nodding, showing extended eye contact, physical proximity |